26 Clothes Storage Ideas to Maximize Bedroom and Closet Space
Discover 26 clothes storage ideas to create more room for your wardrobe and keep your clothes organized.
Clothes have a way of piling up over time, and before you know it, your closet is packed, your drawers are overflowing, and you’re wondering where you’re supposed to put everything else.
And if you love clothes like I do, getting rid of half your wardrobe just to make more space isn’t exactly the solution you’re looking for. There are plenty of pieces you love, wear often, or simply aren’t ready to get rid of.
You don’t need a huge walk-in closet to have a wardrobe that feels organized. Sometimes, you just need to get a little creative with the space you already have. You may have more room for your clothes than you think; you just have to know where to look.
You don’t need a huge walk-in closet to have a wardrobe that feels organized. A few smart clothes storage ideas can help you create more room and make the space you do have work a whole lot better.
These 26 clothes storage ideas will help you make more room for your wardrobe, whether you’re working with a packed closet, no closet at all, a small bedroom, or clothes you need to store away for the season.
How to Make More Room for Clothes Before Adding Storage
Before adding more clothes storage, take a look at where you’re running out of space and go through the clothes you own. You don’t need to get rid of any clothes you love, but a little planning can help you choose the right storage solutions that will make a difference.
- Declutter clothes you no longer wear. Remove anything that no longer fits, is damaged beyond repair, or you don’t wear anymore. If this feels overwhelming, follow my guide to decluttering your closet to make the process easier.
- Determine where you need more space. Is your hanging space packed? Are your dresser drawers overflowing? Do you need somewhere to keep bulky sweaters or seasonal clothes? Identifying the problem will help you find the right solution.
- Look for unused space: Check overlooked places like underneath the bed, behind doors, on empty walls, or even in corners. These areas can provide more clothes storage than you might think.
- Separate everyday clothes from seasonal clothes: One of the best ways to maximize clothes storage in small spaces is to move seasonal clothing you aren’t currently wearing to a different location. This immediately creates more room for the clothes you wear regularly.
Clothes Storage Ideas to Create More Space in Your Closet
Before searching for places to store clothes outside your closet, see if you can create more room inside it first. These closet clothes storage ideas will help you make better use of your shelf, wall, door, and hanging space. Let’s get into some of those ideas below.
1. Add a Second Closet Rod
If you have a lot of shorter clothing hanging in your closet, adding a second closet rod is one of the easiest ways to create more room. Install the second rod below your existing one to create two levels of hanging storage for shirts, blouses, skirts, and folded pants.
This works especially well when there’s a large amount of unused space underneath your hanging clothes. And once your hanging space is set up, you can also organize your clothes by color to keep everything easy to see and find.
How It Adds Space
Adding a second rod creates another level of hanging storage below shorter clothing like shirts, blouses, and jackets. Instead of leaving the lower half of your closet unused, you can fit more hanging clothes into the space you already have.
BEST FOR
Small reach-in closets, closets with many shirts and shorter clothing, and anyone who needs more hanging space.
2. Switch to Space-Saving Hangers
Space-saving hangers are one of the easiest clothes-hanger storage ideas for creating more room in a crowded closet. There are several styles to choose from, including slim velvet hangers, cascading hangers, hanger connectors, and clip hangers.
How It Adds Space
Space-saving hangers help you fit more clothes on the same rod by using vertical space. Some can hold 5 or 6 pieces of clothing in the space of just one hanger.
BEST FOR
Small closets, crowded clothing rods, and anyone who wants to fit more clothes into limited hanging space.
3. Take Advantage of Unused Wall Space Inside a Closet
Take a look around your closet and see if you have any empty wall space that you’re not using. When looking for more closet clothes storage ideas, don’t overlook the walls. You can add shelves for folded clothes, a pull-out valet rod for more hanging space, or wall hooks for sweaters, jackets, and other clothing.
How It Adds Space
Using empty wall space gives you another place to store clothes without taking away from the storage you already have. Shelves give you more room for folded clothes, while a valet rod or wall hooks can create additional hanging space.
BEST FOR
Closets with unused wall space, empty corners, or small sections of wall that could be used for more clothing storage.
4. Store Clothes on the Back of a Closet Door
The back of your closet door can provide extra storage without taking up any additional floor or hanging space. An over-the-door organizer with hooks, shelves, or pockets can hold workout clothes, pajamas, sports bras, or any other clothing type that fits. This is one of those clothes-storage solutions for small spaces that make use of an area that would otherwise go unused.
How It Adds Space
Using the back of your closet door creates storage in an area that would otherwise go unused. Over-the-door organizers, baskets, or hooks can move clothing items off shelves, out of drawers, or off the closet rod, freeing up space for the clothing pieces you want in that area.
BEST FOR
Pajamas, leggings, T-shirts, workout clothes, and other lightweight clothing that can be folded or stored in pockets or baskets.
5. Place Drawer Organizers at the Bottom of Your Closet
Instead of leaving the space underneath your hanging clothes unused, place a tiered rolling drawer cart or small drawer unit there to create more clothing storage. Drawers give folded clothing a designated place in your closet, especially if you don’t have a dresser or another area to store it.
How It Adds Space
Tiered drawer organizers take advantage of the vertical space underneath your hanging clothes, allowing you to stack folded clothing upward instead of leaving the bottom of the closet empty. This creates an additional storage area without taking away from your existing hanging space.
BEST FOR
T-shirts, leggings, pajamas, workout clothes, underwear, socks, and other clothes that store well folded.
Clothes Storage Ideas Without a Closet
Not having a closet doesn’t mean clothes have to take over your bedroom. There are plenty of clothes storage solutions that can give hanging and folded clothes a designated space without a bedroom closet. Take advantage of unused wall and floor space to create additional clothes storage.
6. Use an Armoire as a Closet
If your bedroom doesn’t have a closet, an armoire is one of the most practical clothes storage ideas because it gives you a dedicated place to keep your wardrobe. Armoires come in many different sizes, so you can choose a smaller option for a tight bedroom or a larger one with hanging space, shelves, and drawers for more storage.
Why It Works
Gives you dedicated space for both hanging and folded clothes. It also keeps your wardrobe contained and out of sight, just like a traditional closet.
BEST FOR
Bedrooms without a closet, anyone who prefers to keep clothes contained and out of sight, or anyone who needs extra clothes storage space.
7. Put Together a Heavy-Duty Closet Rack
A heavy-duty clothing rack is a practical clothing storage solution without a closet. can give you plenty of space to store your wardrobe. Look for a larger rack with multiple hanging rods and shelves so you have room for hanging clothes, folded items, shoes, and storage bins. You can place it against an empty bedroom wall to create a freestanding closet that keeps everything together and easy to access.
Why It Works
A heavy-duty clothing rack creates a dedicated place for hanging clothes without needing a traditional closet. It also includes shelves for folded clothes, shoes, bins, and accessories, so you can keep most of your wardrobe together in one area.
BEST FOR
Bedrooms without a closet, renters, large wardrobes, or anyone who needs extra freestanding clothing storage.
8. DIY Wall-Mounted Closet System with Curtains
A wall-mounted closet system is another way to create clothes storage without a closet. Add a clothing rod and shelves to an empty bedroom wall to create space for hanging clothes, folded clothes, shoes, baskets, and accessories.
I love this idea compared to a lot of other clothes storage ideas because you can customize a closet to fit your space and storage needs. You can even add a curtain to hide your clothes and give it more of a finished closet look.
Why It Works
Turns an unused bedroom wall into a dedicated clothing storage area with space for both hanging and folded clothes. Adding shelving on each side gives you even more room for baskets, shoes, accessories, and other items.
BEST FOR
Bedrooms without a closet, smaller bedrooms with limited floor space, or anyone who wants a customizable place to store clothes.
9. Build a Floor-to-Ceiling Pipe Clothing Rack
A floor-to-ceiling pipe clothing rack gives you a large amount of hanging space, making it a great option for a bedroom that doesn’t have a closet. Using two rows of clothing rods lets you take advantage of the full height of the wall and gives you room to hang more of your wardrobe. It’s one of those closet storage solutions that can look just as stylish as it is functional.
Why It Works
A floor-to-ceiling pipe clothing rack gives you a large amount of hanging space without needing a traditional closet. Using two rows of clothing rods lets you take advantage of the full height of the wall and gives you room to hang more of your wardrobe.
BEST FOR
Bedrooms without a closet, wardrobes with lots of hanging clothes, or anyone who likes the look of an open-concept closet.
10. Modular Portable Wardrobe Closet
A modular portable wardrobe is a practical clothes storage solution that gives you space for your clothes when you don’t have a closet. Use the hanging sections for dresses, blazers, jackets, and pants, while the shelves and cubes can hold sweaters, jeans, T-shirts, shoes, or storage bins. What’s also nice about these wardrobes is that they can be taken down easily, and many can be rearranged or expanded based on your clothing storage needs.
Why It Works
You get hanging space, shelving, and enclosed storage all in one system without having to install a permanent closet.
BEST FOR
Bedrooms without a closet, renters, small spaces, or anyone who needs extra clothing storage that can be moved or reconfigured.
11. Pair Wall-Mounted Clothing Rods With a Long Dresser
Pairing a wall-mounted clothing rod and a long dresser not only gives you hanging space but space for folded clothes too. You can hang dresses, tops, jackets, blazers, and other wrinkle prone clothes above, and use the dresser for T-shirts, pajamas, workout clothes, undergarments, and other folded items. This is a great clothes storage solution when you have no closet space at all.
Why It Works
It combines two types of clothing storage in one area, helping you fit more of your wardrobe along a single wall.
BEST FOR
Bedrooms without a closet, small bedrooms, or anyone who likes the look of an open-concept closet.
Clothes Storage Ideas for Shelves
Maximizing shelf space is especially important when your closet is packed with clothes. Simply stacking your clothes on shelves can quickly become frustrating and make it harder to use all the space available. The right clothes storage solutions for shelves can help you take advantage of vertical and unused shelf space while giving more of your wardrobe a designated place.
12. Use Acrylic Shelf Dividers to Stack Clothes
Acrylic shelf dividers create individual sections across an open closet shelf, making it easier to keep stacks of folded clothes upright and separated. I especially like using them for sweaters and sweatshirts because bulky clothes can quickly become messy when they’re stacked without anything holding them in place.
How It Adds Space
Shelf dividers let you create multiple organized stacks across the same shelf and build those stacks higher without clothes falling into each other.
BEST FOR
Sweaters, sweatshirts, jeans, T-shirts, leggings, and other folded clothing.
13. Stack Clear Storage Boxes on Closet Shelves
Clear stackable storage boxes are a great clothes organization idea for shelves. They keep folded clothing organized, and they are clear so you can see what’s inside easily. The separate boxes give different types of clothing their own designated space.
HOW IT ADDS SPACE
Stacking the boxes helps you take advantage of the vertical space above folded clothes that might otherwise go unused.
BEST FOR
Sweaters, jeans, T-shirts, scarves, gloves, workout clothes, and other folded clothing.
14. Add a Cube Organizer to Your Top Closet Shelf
A cube organizer can turn one large open shelf into several smaller storage spaces for your clothes. Each cubby gives you a space for different clothing categories, making the top shelf much more functional and easier to keep organized.
HOW IT ADDS SPACE
Stacking the boxes helps you take advantage of the vertical space above folded clothes that might otherwise go unused.
BEST FOR
Sweaters, jeans, T-shirts, scarves, gloves, workout clothes, and other folded clothing.
15. Store Clothes in Bins with Dividers
Storage bins with dividers are an organizer’s dream, especially when you’re looking for functional clothes storage ideas for shelves. Think of them almost like a filing system for your clothes. Instead of stacking folded clothes on top of one another, each piece stands upright in its own section, making it easy to see what you have and pull something out without disturbing everything else.
HOW IT ADDS SPACE
Dividers allow you to organize more clothing within one container and make better use of shelf space without stacks of clothes becoming messy or falling over.
BEST FOR
Folded clothes, closet shelves, deep shelves, seasonal clothing, and small-space storage.
16. Use Stackable Plastic Shelf Organizers for Folded Clothes
Stackable plastic shelf organizers are a functional way to separate folded clothes while making better use of your shelf space. I love how these have slide-out or pull-out shelves, so you can access clothes from each level without having to unstack the organizers or move everything above them.
HOW IT ADDS SPACE
Stacking individual organizers lets you build upward and use more of the vertical space between closet shelves. Each level creates another surface for folded clothes without creating one tall, messy pile.
BEST FOR
Sweaters, jeans, sweatshirts, leggings, T-shirts, and other folded clothes that you want to keep visible and easy to reach.
Clothes Storage Ideas For Small Spaces
When you’re working with a small bedroom or apartment, finding enough room for your clothes can be challenging. The best clothes storage for small spaces makes use of vertical space, unused areas, and furniture that can store more than one type of clothing. Here are a few ways to create more clothing storage without taking up too much valuable floor space.
Looking for More Small Bedroom Organization Ideas?
- 36 Small Bedroom Storage Ideas That Instantly Double Your Space
- 25 Small Bedroom Closet Ideas That Free Up Space Fast
17. Turn a Small Wall Nook into an Open Closet
If your bedroom has a small nook or recessed area, turn it into an open closet instead of letting the space go unused. Add a closet rod for hanging clothes and shelves underneath for folded clothing, shoes, or storage baskets. You can also add a shelf above the rod to take advantage of the full height of the nook.
Why It Works IN SMALL SPACES
A wall nook is a great clothes organization idea because it gives you a place to create clothing storage without taking up much of the main floor space in your bedroom. Using the space from top to bottom can give you hanging, folded, and shoe storage all in one small area.
BEST FOR
Small bedrooms with an empty wall nook, recessed wall, or awkward space that isn’t being used.
18. Add a Compact Freestanding Wardrobe with Drawers
A smaller freestanding wardrobe with drawers is a great way to add clothing storage when you’re short on closet space. Look for one that combines a hanging rod, drawers, and lower shelving so you can store hanging clothes, folded pieces, shoes, and accessories all in one place.
Why It Works IN SMALL SPACES
This type of wardrobe uses vertical space and combines several clothes storage solutions into one compact unit. Instead of needing a separate dresser, clothing rack, and shoe organizer, you can keep everything together in one area.
BEST FOR
Small bedrooms, apartments, studio apartments, rooms without closets, or anyone who needs extra clothing storage without taking up too much floor space.
19. Turn the Space Under Your Bed into Clothes Storage
The space under your bed can give you a lot of extra clothes storage without taking up any additional room in your already small bedroom. Use low-profile bins, drawers, or rolling storage containers to keep folded clothes or bulky items hidden and out of sight.
Why It Works IN SMALL SPACES
The space under your bed is often completely unused, so it’s a great place to create more clothes storage in a small bedroom. This area becomes especially important when you have little to no closet space.
BEST FOR
Small bedrooms with limited closet or dresser space, especially if you need more room for folded clothes, bulky clothing, or off-season items.
20. Store Clothes in a Nightstand with Lots of Drawers
A nightstand with lots of drawer storage is a must in a small bedroom. Instead of using all the drawers for your usual bedside essentials, use some of that space to store clothing items like pajamas, T-shirts, undergarments, or activewear. It’s one of my favorite clothes organization ideas because it’s such a simple way to create extra clothing storage using furniture you already need in your bedroom.
Why It Works IN SMALL SPACES
A nightstand is already a bedroom essential, so choosing one with plenty of drawers gives you extra clothes storage without taking up any additional floor space. It allows one piece of furniture to work as both a bedside table and a small dresser.
BEST FOR
Small bedrooms with limited floor space, small closets, or anyone who needs extra storage for pajamas, T-shirts, undergarments, activewear, and other smaller clothing items.
21. Get Furniture that Doubles as Storage
In a small bedroom, it’s important to look for furniture that doubles as storage. Always keep storage in mind when you’re buying new furniture and look for pieces that give you another place to store clothes. A lift-up storage bed, storage bench, ottoman, or nightstand with deep drawers can all give you extra clothes storage without adding another piece of furniture to the room.
Why It Works IN SMALL SPACES
Furniture that doubles as storage gives you more room for clothes without taking up any extra floor space. You’re already going to have a bed, nightstand, or bench in the room, so choosing one with built-in storage helps you get more use out of the space you have.
BEST FOR
Small bedrooms with limited closet space, bedrooms without a closet, or anyone who needs more clothes storage but doesn’t have room for another dresser or storage unit.
22. Create a Corner Wardrobe
In small bedrooms, you can often find extra storage space in the corners of your room, making it a great spot for a corner wardrobe. A corner wardrobe takes advantage of dead space that might otherwise go unused and turns it into functional clothes storage.
Why It Works IN SMALL SPACES
A corner wardrobe uses two adjoining walls instead of taking up a long stretch of wall space. Depending on the design, you can add hanging rods, shelves, drawers, or even double hanging space to fit more clothes into a compact area.
BEST FOR
Small bedrooms with an unused corner, bedrooms without a closet, or anyone who needs additional hanging and folded clothes storage without taking up too much floor space.
Off Season Clothes Storage Ideas
Seasonal clothes can take up a huge amount of needed closet space. Instead of keeping your entire wardrobe in your closet year-round, move off-season clothes to a different storage location until you need them again.
This is especially helpful for those bulky winter clothes that take up way too much space during the summer. Many of the ideas below also work as practical winter clothes storage ideas for sweaters, coats, jackets, and other cold-weather clothing.
23. Store Out-of-Season Items Under the Bed
Storing bulky off-season clothes under the bed frees up valuable closet and dresser space for the clothes you’re currently wearing. Use low-profile storage bins or zippered clothing bags to store sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and other seasonal pieces. This is one of those winter clothes storage ideas that works especially well when you don’t have an extra closet for seasonal clothing.
WHY IT ADDS SPACE
Moving bulky seasonal clothes under the bed can free up a lot of room in your closet and dresser for the clothes you’re actually wearing right now. It’s especially helpful for winter sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets that tend to take up so much space.
BEST FOR
Small bedrooms, small closets, apartments, or anyone who doesn’t have a separate closet or dresser for storing off-season clothes.
24. Organize Out of Season In a Different Closet In Your Home
If you have an extra closet in your home, use that space to store clothes you aren’t currently wearing. A guest bedroom closet, entryway closet, or another unused closet can be especially helpful for storing bulky coats, sweaters, jackets, and other cold-weather clothing during the warmer months. This is one of my favorite winter clothes storage ideas because it frees up valuable space in your main closet without requiring you to buy another storage system.
HOW IT ADDS SPACE
Moving your off-season wardrobe to another closet frees up hanging and shelf space for the clothes you’re actually wearing right now. This can make a big difference with bulky winter coats, jackets, and sweaters that take up more room than everyday clothing.
BEST FOR
Homes with a guest bedroom closet, entryway closet, coat closet, or another closet that has extra space available.
25. Store Out-of-Season Clothes in Large Moving Bags
Large moving bags are a great way to store clothes you aren’t wearing for the season. You can fit a lot of bulky clothing inside, like sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and even coats. Once they’re packed, the handles make it easy to move everything to another storage location, like an attic, basement, or extra closet.
I also love this clothes storage idea because when the seasons change, you can easily grab the bags and switch out your wardrobe.
HOW IT ADDS SPACE
Packing up clothes you aren’t wearing right now gets them out of your everyday closet and makes more room for the clothes you actually need for the season.
BEST FOR
Anyone with an attic, basement, spare closet, or another area in the home where you can keep clothes stored until the next season.
26. Compress Out-of-Season Clothes to Save Space
If you have bulky winter clothes taking up way too much room in your closet, compression bags are a great way to make some extra space. You can use them for coats, sweaters, jackets, and other clothes you won’t be wearing for a few months. Once everything is compressed, the bags take up much less room and can be moved to another part of your closet or storage area until you need them again.
HOW IT ADDS SPACE
Packing up clothes you aren’t wearing right now gets them out of your everyday closet and makes more room for the clothes you actually need for the season.
BEST FOR
Bulky coats, sweaters, jackets, and other out-of-season clothes.
Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Clothes Storage Ideas
- Figure out what type of clothes need more space. Do you need more room for hanging clothes? folded clothes, or bulky seasonal sweaters and jackets? Knowing what’s taking up the most space will help you choose the right storage.
- Use the storage space you already have first. Before buying anything new, look for unused space in your closet, on walls, underneath hanging clothes, under your bed, or behind closet doors.
- Separate everyday and off-season clothes. Clothes you aren’t wearing right now don’t need to take up your best storage space. Moving seasonal clothes elsewhere can free up lots of room for your everyday wardrobe.
- Store your clothes smarter: Think about how your clothes are being stored and whether there’s a better way to use that space. For example, switching bulky hangers for slim hangers can give you more room on your closet rod, while bins and shelf organizers can help you fit more folded clothes into the same amount of space.
- Always Measure Your Space Before Buying Anything. Closet organizers, wardrobes, drawers, and under-bed bins can take up more room than you expect, so always measure the area first.
- Don’t Let One Type of Clothing Take Over Your Storage: Bulky sweaters, coats, and sweatshirts can quickly fill a closet or dresser. Moving these pieces to bins, under-bed storage, or another location can create a lot more everyday clothes storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clothes Storage
Ready to Make More Room for Your Clothes?
Hopefully these clothes storage ideas gave you some inspiration for creating more room for your wardrobe. Whether you’re working with a small closet, no closet at all, or just need a better place for out-of-season clothes, there are so many ways to create extra storage with the space you already have.
Pick the ideas that work best for your room, the amount of clothes you have, and how you like to keep everything organized.
